No doubt this is going to turn out to be an idiotic first post and the information is already available on here, but here goes! I've checked through some posts and the helpful FAQs but couldn't find something to reassure me on this.
I have an Orange branded Samsung S2. Ideally I'd like to remove all the branding from the phone and get the latest stock firmware that is possible right now.
I followed this guide on how to root my phone. As my current kernal version was KE2, I took CF-Root-SGS2_XW_XEU_KE2-v4.0-CWM4.zip and used Odin to put that on. That all went on fine, so now I have a rooted phone. That's where I am now.
So now I understand I need to put on the stock firmware, which should be taken from this thread. My question here, which I can't seem to find an answer to (so perhaps isn't a problem), is are all "Samsung S2 i9100" firmwares compatible with all versions of the phone, or are there deviations in the hardware meaning I have to make sure I pick the right firwmare?
In the same way I needed to have the right kernal version before, is that the same for firmware? Does it need to stay in the format KEx? I think I just have a misunderstanding on how the firmware releases relate to each other here. I see a lot of firmwares in the thread with the format XWKyx and I'm not sure what one I would choose? Just keen to not kill my phone by going ahead and picking the wrong thing.
PirateKitten said:
No doubt this is going to turn out to be an idiotic first post and the information is already available on here, but here goes! I've checked through some posts and the helpful FAQs but couldn't find something to reassure me on this.
I have an Orange branded Samsung S2. Ideally I'd like to remove all the branding from the phone and get the latest stock firmware that is possible right now.
I followed this guide on how to root my phone. As my current kernal version was KE2, I took CF-Root-SGS2_XW_XEU_KE2-v4.0-CWM4.zip and used Odin to put that on. That all went on fine, so now I have a rooted phone. That's where I am now.
So now I understand I need to put on the stock firmware, which should be taken from this thread. My question here, which I can't seem to find an answer to (so perhaps isn't a problem), is are all "Samsung S2 i9100" firmwares compatible with all versions of the phone, or are there deviations in the hardware meaning I have to make sure I pick the right firwmare?
In the same way I needed to have the right kernal version before, is that the same for firmware? Does it need to stay in the format KEx? I think I just have a misunderstanding on how the firmware releases relate to each other here. I see a lot of firmwares in the thread with the format XWKyx and I'm not sure what one I would choose? Just keen to not kill my phone by going ahead and picking the wrong thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that you have root I recommend to backup you EFS folder. Search EFS backup and you will find the post on how to do it. Once that is done then you can flash any of the ROM's on the page you linked, I recommend the KI3 as it is the latest leaked Firmware. Just follow the instructions and you will be fine , remember you will loose root and will have to root again...
Thanks for the advice. Will backup - could you offer any advice on my questions about firmware? I am able to just go ahead and use the XXKI3 Frankenstein firmware (so it doesn't wipe my data?) on my current KE2?
As long as you have the international version of the SGS2 then the answer is yes.
Follow the guide on how to flash with Odin and you're good to go.
Thanks for that confirmation, it's much appreciated. EFS backed up on to my machine and now running stock 2.3.5
Hope the battery life has improved!
Modems Kernels firmware are generally interchangeable on this model .
2.3.4 KH3 firmware KI3 2.3.5 kernel KDD modem will work for instance .
jje
Look hard enough and you will find what your looking for. I was wondering the same thing. Good to know this info.
Related
Hey all,
I'm a beginner in this rooting society, moving over from jailbreak development on iOS. I am wondering how I would be able to root a Galaxy S2 with model/kernel number ZSKF4 running 2.3.3.
Not sure if this is the proper place to put this, but I've searched everywhere and no place is providing an insecure/original rom for rooting with this kernel number on the file name.
Can somebody help me?
Many thanks,
Nicholas
UPDATE: Anyone know how to root ZSKI2 running on 2.3.5?
Root + CWM .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Read the post in regard to versions /kernel matching first .
jje
Thank for your reply.
Many guides like the one you gave me, requires kernel matching first, but really, I'm entirely lost in this matching process. Can you give me some heads up on what to choose using my specs I list below?
My Galaxy S II:
Model Number: GT-I9100
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband Version: I9100XXKE4
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100ZSKF4-CL280225
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.ZSKF4
If you can help me, I will be very grateful.
Thanks a lot!
Nicholas
Instructions in the post are .
Don't worry too much, just find the matching download and use it. What if there is no matching download ? You can ask me to make one, but I can tell you right now, I very very rarely make CF-Root's for kernels on request, unless it is the very latest kernel that has been released by Samsung. In the latter case, be sure to let me know. If there's no match and I'm not making one, try finding the closest match. You should treat "KG1" as a number, but instead of 1-9, we have 1-9, A-Z (where A would be 10, and Z would be 35). "KG2" is really close to "KG1", "KF1" is not close to "KG1" at all.
You want then a KF4 kernel from post 5 .
jje
This one from post 4 should do it: CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KF4-v4.0-CWM4.zip
You have a HK/Taiwan phone? If you install Kies you should be able to upgrade to the official ZSKG2. Although that is still 2.3.3 so not much difference there.
Yes, I have a HK/Taiwan phone,
Thanks guys,
So if I have ZSKF4 right now, I'll use "CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KF4-v4.0-CWM4.zip"?
If I upgraded to the latest ZSKG2, will there be any difference comparing to ZSKF4? because you said its the same 2.3.3.
Okay, well after looking at the instructions, I got a little freaked out of how long it actually is, and was pretty worried if I do this, I would get a triangle at boot because I'm using Custom Kernel? Also I heard that many people don't want to use CF-Root because there's a higher risk of bricking comparing to SuperOneClick that I used to root my Galaxy Tab 7. So, I checked on something else.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
Thats a one click rooting app for the S2, but what is this "Flashing an Insecure Kernel" and how do I get this kernel for either ZSKF4 or ZSKG2? I prefer the most easiest way so that I wouldn't run into a huge risk of bricking this device. Thanks for all the help on CF-Root above, but would you guys happen to know what exactly is going on in this link?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1101671
That contains all the insecure kernels for the S2 one click rooting application. Which one do I choose if I have ZSKF4 or ZSKG2?
Thank you everyone for helping me,
Nicholas
Rooting with CF-Root is very easy, just start up Odin, click the boxes like it says in the instructions, and it's done in less than a minute. You can use the other method, but if I were you I would just go with CF-Root because 1) so many people have done it and 2) at least you know one person (me) who did it on their HK/Taiwan phone and came out fine (and I was a complete root noob at the time).
I think whether you upgrade to ZSKG2 first depends on why you want to root. If you are rooting so that you can install a custom ROM, then no need to upgrade to ZSKG2. Just root your phone and install the new ROM and you're good to go.
But if you want to keep the Samsung firmware and only rooting so that you can run certain apps or do certain mods, then upgrade to ZSKG2 through Kies first, then root. There is nothing really bad about the Samsung firmware. I run Cognition 1.5.1 + SpeedMod, but it's mostly just for the fun of it. I don't do anything on it that I couldn't do with rooted 2.3.3 Samsung firmware.
And yes, you do get the bright yellow triangle at startup. There are ways to remove it, but I haven't tried. I like the triangle, it's like a little badge of honor for power users.
Yeah, I'm only rooting for just certain apps that require root/superuser requirements. Other than that, I won't put a load of mods on.
So, if I go to Kies, upgrade to ZSKG2, then I begin rooting, would I be using:
CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
But the thing that scares me is that it says "ZS_OZS_KG2: Untested", does that mean it would be risky to do it?
Hey just noticed in the General forum that the official ZSKI2 is out - and its version 2.3.5 to boot. Check it out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1281717
Yeah the "untested" means the author did not try it personally (can't really expect him to test every kernel from every region). I used it and it worked fine -- that's all I can really say.
Oh wow, that looks pretty cool....
I'm sure I can update to that, which I will, but, does this mean I have to wait for another rooting procedure?
I have a crazy "OCD" that I have to always stay up to date haha. So yeah, if I do this, logically if the CF-Root is able to root it, I will have to wait for a person to make the ZSKI2 kernel insecure version?
Actually, okay, when I upgrade to ZSKI2 kernel, which "CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip" do I use? I don't see a ZSKI2 kernel anywhere...and I'm assuming I can still use CF Root to root at 2.3.5?
You can use a version that is close -- in this case I think XX_OXA_KI3 is the best match. It will probably work with the ZSKI3 firmware -- but I have not tried. (Sorry I mistyped the name in my earlier post, it is ZSKI3 and not ZSKI2.) If you want to be safe then yes you will need to wait until there is a rooted ZSKI3 kernel that you can use.
If you plan to install a custom ROM, then it does not matter what kernel you use for root, since the custom ROM will generally come with its own rooted kernel and it will replace whatever you had before.
For some reason, Kies isn't letting me update.
It says: "This version of this device cannot be updated"
Do you know why this is happening?
By the way, I noticed when I plug in my phone to Kies, I see under CSC, in brackets are (KOR). What does this mean and does it affect any rooting?
UPDATE: I know what KOR means, it means it's a Korean region based device. Is there any difference to what I may be able to update to in Kies or any rooting differences?
Hi Guys, I've been searching and searching for several days now, and trawling endless requests and information about what kernels are compatible with what, but [blank look] huh?
Being an HTC user for the last 5 years, this all seems overly confusing, just when I think I have the info I need, I read a contradiction, then the thread dies!
So my question, and I apologise so much if this has been (and I'm sure it has) asked before:
I have a KH2 orange branded SGS2. I've flashed a new kernel (KH3) CFRoot, didn't put the original one back on because I don't want to lose CWM - it was invaluable on the hero, g1 etc.
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband: I9100BVKH1
Kernel: 2.6.35.-I9100XXKH3-CL479037 [email protected] #2
Build: GINGERBREAD BVKH2
But I still have the old Orange Firmware / Rom on the phone. I want to try some new unbranded ones, and check out how cyanogen works (and hunt out villainRom! My fave), but worried that if I use a rom with the wrong code (i.e based on XWKL1 or IML74K) I'm going to end up with an expensive (but very pretty) paperweight.
I see KH1, KH2 and KH3 in my phone info and I'm starting to get a little nervous that I messed up! lol
As far as I'm aware the code (XXKH3) (XWKL1) refers to the kernel?
The baseband would be the modem? If so, is this flashed with the rom/firmware?
How on earth do you decipher those codes?!
Thanks, and again, apologies if this is not a unique question but I'm sure the search feature is beginning to wear out now. If I had a touchscreen pc, there'd be a hole in the screen from pressing it so often!
The "codes" as you call them are just firmware version numbers
(Year)(Month)(rom number)
So KK5 would be a 2011 rom released in the 11th month and its the 5th rom built this month.
BVKH1
Bold: Country code
Underlined: Rom version
Baseband is the modem, you can mix/match any modem with any firmware (also our modem is almost unbrickable, had someone flash a i9000 modem and it was fixed by flashing a correct one ontop, but still be careful), there is no "best" modem, just find one that works for you.
Its best to keep your kernel and rom version the same, but it wont hurt to much if they dont match.
Recovery and kernel are fused together in samsung devices, so when you flash a kernel you flash recovery, so in order to get CWM you need a kernel with it (glad to see you worked this out!)
Dont worry about the base version, you can flash any i9100 rom on your i9100, the code is just a version+region code.
Also you dont need to worry about the region code, it doesnt have to match your region.
Also, this is a very good guide
ps make sure to backup your EFS asap, read that guide for more info!
Thank you very much!!
That's so much clearer And now I'm not terrified of turning my SGS2 into a plastic poptart let the fun begin!!
doofah said:
Thank you very much!!
That's so much clearer And now I'm not terrified of turning my SGS2 into a plastic poptart let the fun begin!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its generally a hard phone to brick
A few notes
1) you dont need to put a pit into odin
2) dont repartition in odin
Stock roms: clickme and howto flash guide
my new sgs2 is coming in a few days. what should I do before rooting?
should i update so it has a newer kernel/firmware?
I'm trying to follow Chainfire root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399 and it seems that the old radios are not supported.
You should research. If you found a thread with instructions on what to do and you are not sure, ask there.
You should however NOT ask for hand-outs.
Basically all you need to know is CF-Root. Or you could try one-click-root
lambstone said:
You should research. If you found a thread with instructions on what to do and you are not sure, ask there.
You should however NOT ask for hand-outs.
Basically all you need to know is CF-Root. Or you could try one-click-root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did do research. My concern is that only the older versions of CF-Root work with older kernels, like KE, etc. so if I get an old phone, I'm wondering if I should then update to the latest gingerbread version before using CF-Root so I can apply like 5.0?
Hello,
first of all if your phone isn't a new one you will see if its already rooted or not !
if its not, then you have to root it and the only way from stock rom is to flash new kernel version with CF-Root, and CWM is great too for not being often on odin/download mode if you don't want to...
anyway have nice time with your phone its a great one and hard to brick as long as you don't touch to bootloader file..
The CF-root thread has a big list of ROM versions. Just pick the kernel that matches the ROM version of your new phone and you should be all set in rooting the phone.
Here you go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
I'd strongly suggest you use the phone without doing anything to it (rooting, flashing kernels etc.). Most people find the phone just right the way it comes out of the box.
You should only consider rooting or flashing something if you have a specific need for it.
Hi,I rooted my phone then I installed new ROM but then, I installed Galaxy S2 I9100 JB ROM Which was I9100XXLSJ ROM
when I have Galaxy S2 SGH-i777. I know I'm stupid I didn't read it clearly it just said Galaxy S2 Jellybean
I have factory reset it but it is still the i9100 JB ROM not my old AT&T version
I used Odin3 v1.85 to do all this. I have downloaded several ROMs to see if it worked but when I opened them up it dont work with Odin and they said something about installing with SD card and stuff. I tried and i cant find the program and such.
At this moment I I just want my phone to work again. It don't matter if I use stock version of ICS as long it works again with ATT. because right now. my Back/Search doesn't work and Calling.
Please help, and give good explanations because I'm not very strong in electronics
If your phone will still enter download mode you can still fix it. Look through the stickies(important threads which have been given special status due to their importance and relevance) there are several that explain how to return to stock firmware. You should probably flash a full version of stock including the bootloaders as what you flashed may have contained I9100 bootloaders. But better safe than sorry. I've given you enough information to get started, let us know how it turns out.
Phalanx7621 said:
If your phone will still enter download mode you can still fix it. Look through the stickies(important threads which have been given special status due to their importance and relevance) there are several that explain how to return to stock firmware. You should probably flash a full version of stock including the bootloaders as what you flashed may have contained I9100 bootloaders. But better safe than sorry. I've given you enough information to get started, let us know how it turns out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I'll get started as soon as possible and let you know how it goes.
Why did you start another thread for this same issue?
Closed
Hi, I recently got an international Galaxy S3 - my first Android phone. It's an unlocked Spain model (not tied to any carrier), and I upgraded it from 4.0.4 to 4.1.1 as soon as I took it out of the box. I've been rooted through Chainfire's ExynosAbuse since it was released. I've never used Kies; the only update I've had was done OTA.
I wasn't planning on messing around with ROMs for quite a while, but I considered installing a 4.1.2 ROM after seeing the Premium Suite announcement. I figured I'd wait however long it took for Samsung to release 4.1.2 to Spanish phones... but reading that the XXELLA upgrade fixes the sudden death issue - something which I've been quite worried about - I kind of want to just install it, assuming there's no adverse effects. And if the eMMC bug causes damage to the chip over time, I would like to install the hotfix as quickly as possible... (I do have the affected chip and FW rev)
I have been reading up quite a bit in the GT-I9300 sections here, and I think I've got an okay picture of how stuff goes, but I do want to make sure before I do anything with my expensive phone! There is an overwhelming amount of information and it's hard to keep track of everything. Anyway, here's what I was wondering...
- What's the best and safest way to flash the 4.1.2 ROM? It seems like I can use Odin, Mobile Odin, Heimdall or a recovery... but I assume I would need to flash the latter through one of the other three? I use Linux, so I would prefer to use Heimdall over Odin (if it's not more risky). Is a recovery required for custom ROMs, or is it just for convenience? Is it safer than the other methods?
I should also mention that if I used Mobile Odin, I would have to use the lite version as paid Play apps aren't available where I live and I don't have a credit/debit card anyhow.
- Would doing this get me the same result as installing it through Kies or OTA if it was officially released for Spain? (eg. the properly updated kernel/bootloader/modem/whatever else...) Including the famous eMMC fix...
- Are there any adverse effects to installing a ROM belonging to a different country? I think I'd probably end up going for the UK version.
- Would I keep my installed apps, settings, etc like I did with the 4.1.1 OTA update?
- I may end up installing a custom kernel later on (possibly Perseus or something of the like); is there anything I should take into account for this, like what method I use to flash it? And would I lose my data through doing this?
I hope I haven't asked anything too dumb, lol. Thanks very much!
Treeki said:
- What's the best and safest way to flash the 4.1.2 ROM?
>> follow the instructions for the firmware
? I use Linux, so I would prefer to use Heimdall over Odin
Use hEIMDALL
. Is a recovery required for custom ROMs,
Yes
Is it safer than the other methods?
No
- Are there any adverse effects to installing a ROM belonging to a different country? I think I'd probably end up going for the UK version.
Possible need to flash modem or CSC for your region / network
- I may end up installing a custom kernel later on (possibly Perseus or something of the like); is there anything I should take into account for this, like what method I use to flash it?
Follow the kernels instructions .
BASICS .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1927113
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse